Evie Summers
Knowing how to dress a newborn for sleep is crucial for their comfort and safety. The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 68°F and 72°F, and it is recommended to dress them in a similar number of layers to what you would wear in that temperature. It is important to prevent babies from overheating as it is linked to a greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To prevent overheating, babies should not wear hats to sleep, even in extremely cold weather, as they release heat through their heads. Instead, parents can opt for a warmer sleep sack or fleece pajamas.
What You'll Learn
Dressing a newborn for sleep is a matter of safety
To prevent overheating, it is recommended to dress the baby in one or more layers of lightweight, breathable sleepwear, such as cotton, to provide enough warmth. Avoid thick layers and heavy sleepwear. The baby's head should be kept uncovered as they cool themselves down by releasing heat from their head and face. Hats and beanies can slip and cover the baby's face, causing a suffocation hazard.
Swaddling is an option for newborns, but parents should consider its potential benefits and risks. It can help soothe newborns by replicating the womb environment, but it should be discontinued once the baby starts attempting to roll over. If swaddling, use a thin blanket, and ensure it is firm around the chest but loose around the hips and legs to allow for healthy hip development. The wrap should not go above the baby's shoulders or cover their head, ears, or chin.
It is also important to keep the crib clear of blankets, pillows, bedding, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. These items pose a suffocation or strangulation risk. Instead, consider using a safe infant sleeping bag or suit, which is a fitted bag or suit with armholes or sleeves, a fitted neck, and no hood.
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The ideal room temperature for a newborn to sleep in
It is important to ensure that your newborn does not get too hot or too cold while sleeping. Overheating is especially dangerous for babies and has been linked to SIDS. If your baby is too warm, they may have sweaty necks or hair, flushed cheeks, or a clammy core. In this case, you can reduce the layers under their swaddle or opt for a swaddle with a lower TOG rating. You can also try a short-sleeve onesie without pants, or just a diaper under the swaddle. In extremely cold weather, you can add a layer of clothing, but be careful not to overdress your baby.
It is also important to keep your newborn's head uncovered while they sleep. Hats and beanies can cause overheating and may slip and cover your baby's face, posing a suffocation hazard. Instead, your baby can regulate their temperature by releasing heat through their head.
As your baby grows older, you will need to reevaluate their sleep situation. What works for a newborn may not work for a 6-month-old, and their needs will continue to evolve as they get older. For example, once your baby starts rolling over, usually around the 3-4 month mark, you should swaddle them with their arms out or use a lightweight sleep sack instead.
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How to swaddle a newborn
When preparing a newborn for sleep, it is important to ensure that they are dressed in a way that minimises the risks of suffocation, strangulation, and choking, and ultimately lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To that end, it is recommended that newborns are dressed in a single layer of clothing, like a cotton onesie or sleeper, to prevent them from becoming too cold or overheating. Cribs and bassinets should be clear of blankets, pillows, bedding, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys.
Swaddling is an option for newborns, and it involves closely wrapping a baby in a thin blanket. It can help calm some babies and may improve their sleep. However, it is important to consider the potential benefits and risks of swaddling and to stop swaddling once the baby starts rolling over to decrease the risk of SIDS. If you do choose to swaddle your newborn, here is a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the blanket: Lay a thin, lightweight, square blanket on a flat surface so that it looks like a diamond. Fold the top corner down towards the centre of the diamond; the top now forms a straight line.
- Position the baby: Place the baby face-up on the blanket so that their neck is along the top edge. Ensure that the blanket does not touch the baby's cheek, as this may confuse them and make them cry.
- Secure the left arm: Gently hold the baby's left arm down along their side. Take the blanket about 4 inches from the baby's left shoulder and pull it down and across their body tightly, tucking it underneath them on the opposite side. It should be snug, but not too tight, without any slack.
- Wrap the legs and right arm: Lift the bottom corner of the blanket up over the baby's legs and right arm, tucking that corner behind their right shoulder. Keep this a little loose so the baby's legs and feet can move around.
It is important to note that swaddling may not be for every baby. Some newborns and babies may be content without swaddling. Additionally, it is recommended to stop swaddling once the baby starts to roll over, usually around the 3-4 month mark, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
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What to do when the seasons change
When it comes to putting your newborn to sleep, it's important to keep them comfortable and safe. Here are some tips on what to do when the seasons change to ensure your baby's comfort and safety:
Assessing the Temperature
The temperature of your baby's room is a crucial factor in determining their sleepwear. A comfortable and safe room temperature for a newborn is generally considered to be between 16°C and 22°C. Use a room thermometer to check the temperature.
Dressing for Warmer Seasons
In warmer months, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton. Dress your baby in a single layer of clothing, such as a thin onesie or sleeper, or just a nappy. You can also leave them in just a diaper under a swaddle or sleep sack. Avoid dressing them in hats, as they can cause overheating and pose a suffocation risk if they fall off.
Dressing for Cooler Seasons
In cooler months, layer your baby's clothing according to the room temperature. You can dress them in a vest, sleepsuit, and a lightweight sleeping bag or layers of clothing under a wrap. If it's below 20°C, consider adding a cardigan or jumper. However, avoid using loose blankets, as they can pose a safety hazard. Instead, opt for a thin, well-secured sheet or a lightweight blanket tucked in at chest level.
Swaddling
Swaddling can be a great option for newborns, as it helps them feel secure and calm. Use a thin muslin or cot sheet to swaddle your baby, ensuring it doesn't cover their head, ears, or chin. Stop swaddling when your baby starts showing signs of rolling, usually around 3-4 months, to prevent restricting their movement and increasing the risk of suffocation.
Adjusting to the Season Change
When the seasons change, reassess your baby's sleepwear. If they feel sweaty or their cheeks are flushed, reduce the layers or opt for sleepwear with a lower TOG rating. Conversely, if their core feels cool, add a layer of clothing, such as thicker pajamas or a onesie under their existing pajamas. Remember, your baby's hands and feet may feel cool, but this doesn't always indicate their overall body temperature.
Remember, the key is to keep it simple and ensure your baby's comfort and safety. Assess their temperature and adjust their sleepwear accordingly.
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How to tell if your newborn is too hot or cold
It can be challenging to tell if your newborn is too hot or cold, but there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, it is important to know your baby's body temperature baseline. A rectal temperature is the most accurate for newborns, while oral and underarm measurements are less reliable. The normal infant temperature is between 97.7°F (36.5°C) and 100.4°F (38°C).
To prevent overheating, it is recommended to keep your baby's room temperature between 68°F and 72°F. You can adjust the room temperature with air conditioning or fans, but ensure the airflow isn't directly on the baby. Dress your baby in light, breathable layers, and adjust the layers as needed. If your baby is too warm, switch to lighter clothing, such as a short-sleeve onesie without pants, or just a diaper. You can also keep the onesie unfastened.
Babies cool themselves by releasing heat from their heads and faces, so it's important to keep their heads uncovered while sleeping. Hats can fall over their faces, posing a suffocation hazard, and can also lead to overheating. If your baby's hands and feet are blue, this could be a sign of acrocyanosis, but if any blue colour changes appear on the rest of their body, seek immediate medical attention.
If your baby is cold, you can add a sleeveless bodysuit under their romper or use a pair of lightweight, breathable socks. You can also use a thin, lightweight blanket, tucked in securely at chest level. Swaddling can help babies settle for sleep, but it should be a thin swaddle or a lightweight sleep sack, and it should not cover their head, ears, or chin.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal room temperature for a newborn to sleep in is between 68°F and 72°F.
A newborn should be dressed in a single layer of clothing, like a cotton onesie or sleeper, to prevent them from becoming too cold or
No, a newborn should not wear a hat to sleep. Hats can slip and cover the baby's face, causing a suffocation hazard. They can also cause overheating, which increases the risk of SIDS.
Swaddling can help soothe a newborn because it replicates the womb environment. However, it is essential to consider the potential benefits and risks of swaddling. Swaddling can be risky once a baby starts rolling over on their own, as it is difficult for them to turn if they wind up face-down.
